Answer:
a. The directionality of the complementary strand is antiparallel. The double-stranded DNA is antiparallel comprising two strands, which run alongside each other, however, point in reverse directions. In a double-stranded molecule of DNA, the 5 prime ends of one strand align with the 3 prime ends of the other strand, and vice versa.
b. The mediation of base pairing is done by non-covalent hydrogen bonds. It is reversible, that is, the strands can separate and can come combined again without any chemical modification.
The specificity of base pairing is illustrated by hydrogen bonds that is, the first strand produces hydrogen bonds only with a particular base in the second strand, and these two bases produce a base-pair.
c. The interaction or association of non-covalent type, that is, hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding. Collectively, they both are strong. In the process, one base associate with the other base on the complementary strand.
d. The phosphate backbone possesses the tendency to associate with water on the outside of the molecule, and this is favorable chemically as both the strands are held together by hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction.
The polar molecules of sugar can produce hydrogen bonds with the surrounding molecules of water. The negatively charged phosphate group associate with the positively charged ions. The nonpolar nitrogen bases are found within the molecule and associate favorably through stacking interactions.
